In today's digital landscape, companies worldwide are embracing the power of eLearning or e- Learning as
their preferred training delivery method. With the eLearning market experiencing exponential growth of
900%
since 2000, organisations recognise the need for a robust Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate
their eLearning initiatives.
An LMS is a sophisticated software solution that empowers businesses to effortlessly create, deploy, and
monitor training programs for their employees and stakeholders. But what exactly is an LMS, and how does
it
operate? Let's delve into how forward-thinking companies leverage LMS technology to design comprehensive
learning experiences for their workforce and broader ecosystems.
An LMS functions similarly to word processors like Microsoft Word or email servers like Gmail. It allows businesses to develop, manage, and deliver eLearning courses seamlessly. The acronym LMS stands for Learning Management System, comprising three key components:
As an LMS is designed to deliver training programs, it caters to various learning needs and objectives.
An LMS assists in organising and managing course content efficiently.
The software platform provides feedback, enabling progress tracking and targeted improvements.
The structure of a Learning Management System
consists of
two main components:
The initial segment is an administrative interface training managers utilise to
organise their learning programs through various back-office tasks. This includes
designing, administering, and disseminating courses, managing learners, analysing
reports, and automating notifications, among other functionalities.
The second component is an eLearning module, serving as a visually appealing user
interface. Like a mobile app or web-browser platform, similar to popular
applications like Gmail or Facebook, the eLearning module is the gateway learners
encounter when enrolling in or being assigned to a course.
Let's delve into the precise capabilities of an LMS. An LMS empowers you to:
An LMS is utilised by a diverse range of organisations involved in delivering
eLearning courses, extending beyond educational institutions.
Here are several examples of entities that leverage a learning management system
(LMS) for training purposes:
The versatility of a Learning Management System becomes evident in its ability to cater to diverse training requirements. Subject matter experts can employ an LMS to deliver online courses, train internal staff, and consulting firms can effectively educate their clients on various subjects.
An LMS supports a variety of learning activities, as evident by the 'L' in its acronym. As such, it has emerged as an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. Here's how an LMS benefits different roles within an organization:
Continuous employee training is essential regardless of your industry -
insurance,
manufacturing, healthcare, or government. Whether compliance training or
upskilling
existing staff, a corporate LMS enables employees to learn at their own pace,
eliminating disruptions associated with traditional learning methods.
By utilising an LMS for eLearning, you can save time and money on staff training
instead of hiring professional instructors for conventional seminars. Integrated
monitoring and reporting features provide valuable insights into employee
growth.
Streamline and automate the critical onboarding process with a corporate LMS.
While
personal greetings and office tours remain essential, most necessary information
can
be conveniently accessed and referred to in the learning material at the new
hires'
convenience.
New employees often need help remembering details about a company's history or
compliance procedures. However, an online onboarding course ensures constant
access
to relevant information.
Your LMS effectively educates new employees about employee conduct codes,
privacy
policies, and anti-discrimination/harassment policies within your organisation.
Additionally, it can provide insights into job responsibilities, career
advancement
prospects, and rewards.
Your staff's skills are undeniably vital, but it's equally important to learn
from
them. Retaining critical skills, techniques, and information within your
organisation becomes crucial when employees depart or retire.
Rather than allowing essential knowledge to languish in an overlooked document
management system, an LMS platform is the perfect solution. It is a knowledge
repository where you can store valuable employee expertise in a structured
format
for future reference.
Therefore, you must consider an LMS as a long-term investment to safeguard your
company's future.